From 18:00hrs on 31st Dec RNE have supplied up to 4 teams (two units per team) to Northern Doctors Urgent Care Service.

Snow, Ice and Blizzard condition and the occasional freezing fog have made travel by standard vehicle impossible in places.

During one call our team came across a North Eastern Ambulance, Paramedic Rapid response car which had encountered black ice negotiating a steep bank and rapidly responded by leaving the road.....assistance was offered and they were able to remove to a safe possition.

Sorry for not posting earlier, sending New Years Greetings (thanks for those I recieved) but I've been slightly more that a tad busy! (and still am)!

Nigel.

BobWessex

03-01-2010, 10:37 PM

Excellent work.

I think that currently you are the only team deployed, but could be wrong

nigel leyland

03-01-2010, 11:10 PM

The way this weather is Bob, if we are, it's not likely to be long before others get a call.

Had it not been so far north (I've been working in Scotland!) we'd of been seeking support from YL but it is unfortunately impractable for the working format.....unless that is, it becomes extremely dire!!!!!! But then we would likely as not need them further south....

mind you we did have a bit of a lull when most others when noses to the grindstone :roll:

Thing is there is no sign of it letting up soon, so.....we battle on!

Nigel.

nigel leyland

07-01-2010, 07:54 PM

This current call is still in progress...............

below is a copy of our latest press release..... Nice quote :D

"4X4’s DRIVE THROUGH TO KEEP DOCTORS ON THE ROAD

4x4 Response North East, a not-for-profit volunteer based organisation, are working round the clock to help the emergency services during the heavy snow and treacherous driving conditions. The group of volunteers have been in action using their own vehicles to get doctors from Northern Doctors Urgent Care to patients throughout the North East. 90 vehicles have been out since New Year’s Eve and every shift covered!

John Harrison (Chief Exec for NDUC) said “NDUC provide GP OOH services to some of the most rural areas of the country. In severe weather it is essential that, where appropriate, our doctors can continue to visit patients in their homes. We are tremendously grateful to 4x4RNE who provide 4x4 vehicles and experienced drivers to transport our staff throughout the region during severe weather. In the four years we have worked with 4x4RNE they have never let us down. Their dedicated teams of drivers have allowed us to maintain high levels of care of patient care throughout the recent weather conditions.”

“4x4RNE had been preparing for the bad weather but no one expected the severity of the conditions we are experiencing. Our team of 4x4s and drivers are doing brilliantly but with more severe weather predicted we are in need of some new members to join us and help with the callouts.” Sarah Tierney (4x4RNE Press Officer)

4x4RNE are near to signing a protocol for support to Durham Constabulary and Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team. They’ve also been put on standby for Northumberland Emergency Planning Unit.